AN ACCOUNTING team is looking to the future with an out-of-this-world office move.

Howard Bedford set up HMB Accountants 24 years ago to provide a range of accountancy, tax and business services across Teesside and North Yorkshire. He was joined by his wife Sarah, who has more than 28 years' experience in accountancy, in 2015.

In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and changing working practices, the pair have decided to move the team to a new office in Manor Way, on Belasis Hall Technology Park, in Billingham, which features its very own replica of a Tardis, as featured in long-running BBC series Doctor Who.

Lifelong sci-fi fan Howard said: “Our new premises have slightly smaller footprint than the previous space, however, it is a better lay-out, making it seem bigger on the inside than the outside, just like a Tardis.

“Our new offices have a large open plan office space for the team to work together and the model Tardis will be landing in the main office, forming the entrance to the dedicated meeting room.”

Sarah said: “The Tardis idea came about when we were looking at furniture options – one of the suppliers we were considering had a competition to win a second-hand model.

“We decided to use The Optimum Group, who said they’d be able to make us a model and the idea spiralled from there.

“We spend a lot of time at work and need to enjoy being here, so we anticipate it will make us smile every time we come in.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Teesside is known the world over for our steel, engineering, and processing prowess, but we also have a huge number of amazing professional service companies, such as HMB Accountants.

“The coronavirus pandemic has had a huge impact on businesses right across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool, but we are bouncing back and it’s great to see Howard and Sarah move into new offices and create opportunities by taking on a new member of staff.”

The couple say that their personal relationship has helped them to weather the storm of Covid-19, and they are looking forward to continuing to build the business over the next 12 months.

They have also taken on a new member of staff, Rowena Hunaishi, to help ensure all their clients are Making Tax Digital compliant.”

For more information about HMB Accountants, visit www.hmbaccountants.co.uk.